We thought that in 2016 floppy disks would be obsolete. Black plastic squares with pathetically low storage by today's standards. For now, they should only serve as coasters, shoulder straps and planters. 5 Useful Things You Can Create With Your Old Floppy Disks 5 Useful Things You Can Create With Your Old Floppy Disks Read More .
This guide is available to download as a free PDF. Download The Irresistible Lure Of Old Technology:Why We Fight To Let It Go Now . Feel free to copy and share this with your friends and family.We were wrong because the US nuclear force still uses floppy disks for Data storage . Why? Most likely due to the logistics involved in upgrading to modern technologies From Punch Cards to Holograms - A Brief History of Data Storage From Punch Cards to Holograms - A Brief History of Data Storage Let's take a look at some of the technologies that shaped to modern data storage, as well as where we go from here. Read More That's understandable, even if it's hard to swallow.
But what about people who use old, outdated, or obsolete hardware and software, or who avoid current technology altogether? What drives them to do it?
What is it that makes people like you and me take on security threats and stick with Windows XP? What drives them to choose a life without email 4 Influencers Who Don't Use Email (And Why) 4 Influencers Who Don't Use Email (And Why) It's hard to imagine a life without email, but some people they choose Stop using it altogether. That includes US senators and famous filmmakers. Read more ? Why do they use Internet Relay Chat (IRC) in the age of WhatsApp, Facebook and Slack? Why do they have feature phones instead of smartphones? Why this technology Blogger does not own a smartphone? [Opinion] Why this technology Blogger does not own a smartphone? [Opinion] "Do you already have a smartphone?" It's a question my friends often ask, and it's a reasonable one to ask. I make a living writing about technology, explaining how to use the software, and interviewing... Read More ?
Like Calestous Juma, Harvard professor and author of Innovation and Its Enemies:Why People Resist New Technologies , he says in Farewell to Old Technology - And to a legendary New York repair shop, getting rid of certain technologies can be like “Removing a species from the larger environment.” Surely, there is more than nostalgia nerget 7 websites to share your nostalgic memories of days gone by 7 websites to share your nostalgic memories of days gone by nostalgia can be bittersweet, but the mere thought of the past unites us all socially. We share our best and worst memories. This is where the web comes in as the great trough. Read More
It's the comfort of the familiar (and the automatic).. For a lot of people, “old” translates to 4 Reasons Why Vinyl Is Better Than Digital 4 Reasons Why Vinyl Is Better Than Digital Greetings Peasants! What, are you still listening to MP3s? Look, as someone who knows more about music than you, I think it's my duty to tell you that there is a better way. It's called vinyl. Read More The technology you have used for a long time does not require reflection:you can use it while you sleep. You love him, and have even made peace with his flaws.
Plus, who can resist objects that carry an old world charm? That's why we're reviving Polaroid cameras and we're in love with Instagram's take on Polaroid photos.
In fact, familiarity with existing technology is the number one reason people refuse to give up or keep coming back to it. But just as often, it's something else, as we'll see later.
It is a matter of principle , of refusing to fix what isn't broken, responding to needs over needs, saving money for something better and more useful, and/or wanting to maintain the environmental impact of adopting technology that will consume - the electronics story of consumption [Feature] Will Consume:The Story of Consumer Electronics [Feature] Every year, exhibitions around the world feature new high-tech gadgets; Expensive toys that come with a lot of promises. Their goal is to make our lives easier, more fun, super connected, and of course they're status... Read More
Writer and technology consultant Patrick Rhone refers to this tech-conscious, minimalist approach as "enough." In nearly six years of writing and curating the popular Minimal Mac blog, he has come up with several configurations built around less-than-modern technology. The Rhone's main computer is a six-year-old 11-inch MacBook Air. At one point, he even had a working 13-year-old Powerbook 1400c. From your current configuration it says:
Although the machine is six years old, Rhone considers it “more than enough”. In addition, he can "see that you continue to lend more than my needs for at least a few more years." And he adds:
It is the emotion of making the “impossible” possible . People who disagree at heart can't resist making technology do things it wasn't meant to do. Sometimes that means expanding the capabilities of a technological relic, like connecting a 1986 Mac Plus to the modern web, for example. A lack of resources can drive people in a similar direction. Take the case of this woman who cooks everything in a coffee pot..
It's the fear of the learning curve.. Another reason people settle for old technology is that they feel incapable of handling anything more modern. It's the uncomfortable feeling of not knowing what to expect. When it comes to technology, members of the older generation in particular are prone to such fears. It may be unfounded, but it's real.
Don't we know someone who has refused to upgrade to a smartphone because of the touch screen? Regardless of age, we can all learn a thing or two about stepping out of our comfort zones with this technology from 90-year experience Technology Through 90-Year Eyes:Are We Really Any Better? [Feature] Technology through the eyes of 90 years:Are we really better off? [Feature] Young people tend to view the older generation as second-class citizens when it comes to technology. This follows from the jokes we see online every day, and derives, among other things, from… Read more .
It's because the old is not always as outdated or dysfunctional.. When it comes to technology, "old" seems to be a relative term. After all, email is almost half a century old. However, it continues to serve a purpose, even as various technologies that have come after it have disappeared. Although, it must be remembered that functional is not synonymous with safe or ideal. Old technology can come with its special share of security vulnerabilities, power inefficiencies, and nonexistent vendor support.
It's a lack of time and motivation.. My secondary machine is a Windows 7 desktop. I haven't upgraded to Windows 10 yet. Sort through 500 GB of data marginally useful y Dealing with Annoying Update Problems 6 Common Windows Update Problems and How to Fix Them 6 Common Windows Update Problems and How to Fix Them Updating Windows 10 can cause a number of complications. We show you what to watch out for and how to prevent or fix problems. Read more ? Thanks but no thanks. I haven't even booked the upgrade, despite being well aware of the Windows 10 free upgrade deadline Act now to keep your Windows 10 upgrade free after July 29th Act now to keep your Windows 10 upgrade free after July 29 Microsoft has confirmed that the update is free The Windows 10 update will expire. After July 29, a Windows 10 license will cost $119. Here's how to be eligible to install Windows 10 for free, even... Read More I think I'll just ignore that 10 year old PC for a couple more years and then format and donate it. Also, I prefer Windows 7 to Windows 10 anyway, and that's enough for now.
Many other users have also rejected the free Windows 10 upgrade. Many people reject the free Windows 10 upgrade. Here is why many people reject the free Windows 10 upgrade. However, many refuse to upgrade to Windows 10. Les We have asked why. Read More Microsoft's deceptive tactics to get people to upgrade have a lot to do with it. That's why trusty old Windows 7 isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Even Windows XP seems like it's here to stay. Why Windows XP Won't Go Away Any Time Soon Why Windows XP Won't Go Away Any Time Soon People can't stop using Windows XP. In businesses and homes around the world, it will stick around. We spoke to three Windows XP users from different generations and backgrounds to find out why. Read more . Of course, Microsoft isn't the only company that has become increasingly intrusive. And that brings me to my next point about the USP of older technology.
It is the promise of privacy.. As our appliances and homes get smarter 5 Security Concerns to Consider When Building Your Smart Home 5 Security Concerns to Consider When Building Your Smart Home Many people are trying to connect as many aspects of their lives to the web as they can. possible, but many people have expressed genuine concerns about how safe these automated living spaces really are. Read More
For example, unless someone is looking for it, your paper journal 6 Simple Reasons Paper Can Still Be Your Killer Productivity App 6 Simple Reasons Paper Can Still Be Your Killer Productivity App Paper can be a more powerful tool for productivity than a computer or a touch device, and should not be immediately dismissed. Not convinced? Here are six reasons why the role is still relevant. Read More In case an emergency requires drastic measures, you can record your diary or swallow its pages. You might get indigestion from doing the latter, sure, but your secrets are still secrets.
It is the desire to carry a legacy and pass on a tradition.. The less sentimental among us might scoff at the idea of treating old technology like anything but junk. But aren't there many who rejoice, say, inheriting vintage record players and music collections or passing on a watch that has been in the family for generations? Perhaps our technological legacies include Apple devices and coveted domain names.
George R.R. Martin, the man who sparked madness around the world Everything You Want to Know About Game of Thrones Everything You Want to Know About Game of Thrones We've scoured the web for the best resources on Westeros and beyond. Taken together, they contain everything you'd ever want to know about Game of Thrones. Read More Game of Thrones -writes his novels using a word processor (WordStar 4.0) from the late eighties. On a DOS-based machine, of course.
Physicist, author, and MIT professor Alan Lightman has left many footprints in his work (read his biography) and done it all. without using email.
Actor, filmmaker, and comedian Woody Allen has done all of his writing on a manual typewriter since the late 1950s. He bought his portable Olympia SM-3 when he was 16 years old..
You'd think these prolific people couldn't afford to ignore the convenience of the latest technology to stay productive. However, they have and continue to do so. And guess what? They are as prolific as ever..
This is not to say that modern technology doesn't improve our lives in many, many ways. It's the idea that achievement depends on the use of technology, rather than the person using it, that's absurd.. Deep down, we know this line of reasoning is illogical, but we accept it anyway.
In his book Geek Heresy:Rescuing Social Change from the Cult of Technology, Kentaro Toyama, who co-founded Microsoft Research India to achieve social development using technology, gives us a clear and logical perspective on the true role of technology:
We can all take a cue from Canadian author Margaret Atwood about letting technology inspire but not dictate our work, creativity, and communication. She has embraced the likes of Twitter and Wattpad, and has even created a remote signing device called the LongPen. But she has also contributed to an ambitious project that revolves around a technology whose future many would say is uncertain:paper. The project is called Future Library. It is scheduled to turn books written by a different author each year into an anthology a hundred years from now.
Here's Atwood on how technology shapes our storytelling:
Want to see how many ridiculous gadgets exist to solve problems that don't? Jump over to Unclutterer and check out their Unitasker Wednesday feature.
Yes, we might disagree on whether smarter technology is bothering us. Is the smartest technology hindering the human race? Is the smartest technology hindering the human race? When you were a child, you memorized the phone numbers of your friends; Now you just have to add them to your phone. You used to memorize addresses; Now you just use your GPS. Are humans getting stupid? Read more . But can we deny that problem solving often works in reverse these days? That we are looking for problems to solve because we have the technology to solve them? That on many occasions we use technology because it exists and not because it responds to an authentic need?
Of course, this is not to say that we shouldn't have fun with technology. 9 Harry Potter Magical Gadgets You Might Actually Own. 9 Harry Potter Magical Gadgets You Could Really Own. The wonderful books written by JK Rowling. Yes, the Harry Potter universe is almost real. Read More When it comes to technology, there are is a place for fun, amusement and frivolity, as well as a place for chance. But in general, we must be more demanding about the technology that we introduce in our lives..
For the rhone, “The challenges [of working as a technology consultant] are what they have always been, which helps my clients take a reasoned and mindful approach to their technology needs.” He says:
We don't have to jump through hoops to restore technology that is beyond hope. We don't have to be stubborn about continuing to use technology that doesn't work for us. But we need to let go of what I like to call “stuffing” or “because we can” technology. We need to be less impulsive and reckless about our choice and adoption of new technologies.
It's time to ask ourselves some important questions about the technology that is entering or leaving our lives..
How can we make better technology choices? Rhone urges you to “Consider whether the technology you own is easily upgradeable or repairable”:
When it comes to software, Rhone suggests that you “at least wait a bit before upgrading, especially to a new operating system. Let them fix the bugs for a review point or two. Take the time to see if it's worth the upgrade." He also recommends that you "use open formats whenever possible so it's easy to take your files and move them elsewhere if a new software release messes things up."
How can we put a new spin on old skills and habits with existing technology? Sketch apps like Procreate are games that teach kids financial skills. Teach your children. Essential financial skills with these fun games. Teach your children. Essential financial skills with these fun games. Use these fun games to entertain and educate your children at the same time. Read more show us the way..
Using new technology to rediscover traditional ways of learning, California artist and educator Stacey Goodman describes how digital technology “can help teachers and students rediscover traditional ways of learning through the use of touch, movement, sound and visuality”.
If used correctly, the combination of old and new technologies and approaches can be dynamite, especially in the field of education. Educator Sugata Mitra's School in the Cloud project is a great example of that. Autodidacticism (self-learning) and the Socratic method are not new concepts. However, Mitra has given them wings by pairing them with a Skype-based network of volunteer mediators (grandmothers) to enable poor children to learn for themselves.
How can we reuse old devices? 10 creative ways to use your old smartphone 10 creative ways to use your old smartphone Why sell or throw away your old smartphone when there are so many ways to reuse it? Some of those reuses may be more creative than you thought. Here are some ideas. Read more instead of bringing new? How can we dispose of old devices responsibly? How to recicle? What should be recycled? What should be kept? How to recicle? What should be saved? Laptops are a treasure trove of parts that can live more than one lifetime. Whether they lead a life as a spare part or become the subject of a DIY tech project, you can get a… Read more ?
Rhone says, “My wife is an Arts Management and Nonprofit Consultant, and many of my small business clients are happy to see technology they are no longer using donated to nonprofits and/or charity organizations. art that my wife is involved in and that she will continue to use it...For them it is free and perfectly adequate for the tasks at hand.”
Not seriously. You don't need the latest. 14 Ridiculous Smart Home Products You Don't Need. 14 Ridiculous Smart Home Products You Don't Need. Many "smart" products are a waste of money, cause security and privacy issues, and make you look silly. . Maybe think twice before trying any of these products! Read more . A generation or two ago, using technology (or anything else) until it became unusable was never a point of contention. It was just what people did. They took care of their tools and took pride in them. When it came time to replace worn tools, they chose to think in terms of “a lifetime” as opposed to “next season”. Is it time to revive this approach? Would such an approach even be sustainable, given that we live in an age of planned obsolescence? Planned Obsolescence:Why We Can't Have Nice Things. Planned Obsolescence:Why We Can't Have Nice Things. obsolescence"? In this article, we explain what that is, why you should be concerned, and what you can do about it. Read More
Staying with technology that is outdated by consensus rather than outdated by practicality can be difficult, but it's not impossible. I know someone who uses a refrigerator that is almost 70 years old..
In the quest to keep old technology functional, we shouldn't shy away from adopting new technology altogether. After all, the old technology that is now attractive to us was once new. It provoked as much outrage as current technology for being "unnecessary," "intrusive," or "a corrupting influence."
What is the oldest piece of technology you own and still use? What are your main concerns when upgrading technology? Share your ideas on how we can make old and new technology coexist.
